Biology subjects

Solomon, D.

Publications and source records attributed to Solomon, D..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Brain implantation of tissue-level-soft bioelectronics 1 via embryonic development

The design of bioelectronics capable of stably tracking brain-wide, single-cell, and millisecond-resolved neural activities in the developing brain is critical to the study of neuroscience and neurodevelopmental disorders. During development, the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the vertebrate brain arises from a 2D neural plate1,2. These large morphological changes previously posed a challenge for implantable bioelectronics to track neural activity throughout brain development3-9. Here, we present a tissue-level-soft, sub-micrometer-thick, stretchable mesh microelectrode array capable of integrating into the embryonic neural plate of vertebrates by leveraging the 2D-to-3D reconfiguration process of the tissue itself. Driven by the expansion and folding processes of organogenesis, the stretchable mesh electrode array deforms, stretches, and distributes throughout the entire brain, fully integrating into the 3D tissue structure. Immunostaining, gene expression analysis, and behavioral testing show no discernible impact on brain development or function. The embedded electrode array enables long-term, stable, brain-wide, single-unit-single-spike-resolved electrical mapping throughout brain development, illustrating how neural electrical activities and population dynamics emerge and evolve during brain development.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2024

Exploring Pharmacogenetic Factors Influencing Hydroxyurea Response in Tanzanian Sickle Cell Disease Patients: A Genomic Medicine Approach.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) continues to pose a significant public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its discovery over a century ago, the progress in developing and accessing effective interventions has been notably restricted. Currently, hydroxyurea stands as the primary drug in widespread use, and has been associated with elevated levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and enhanced clinical outcomes. Notably, a substantial proportion, up to 30%, of patients do not exhibit a positive response to hydroxyurea treatment. There is compelling evidence suggesting that genetic factors play a crucial role in influencing the effectiveness of hydroxyurea. In this study, we present findings on the investigation of genetic variants influencing hydroxyurea response in 13 genetic loci associated with HbF synthesis and hydroxyurea drug metabolism focusing on MYB, HBB, HBG1, HBG2, BCL11A, KLF10, HAO2, NOS1, ARG2, SAR1A, CYP2C9, CYP2E1. We report remarkable genetic associations with CYP2C9, CYP2E1, KLF10, BCL11A, ARG2, HBG1, SAR1A, MYB, and NOS1 loci with hydroxyurea response. We also highlight associated pathways enrichment and gene-gene interactions analysis in the context of hydroxyurea treatment response.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2024

The Chlamydia trachomatis Inc Tri1 interacts with TRAF7 to displace native TRAF7 interacting partners

Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections in the US and of preventable blindness worldwide. This obligate intracellular pathogen replicates within a membrane-bound inclusion, but how it acquires nutrients from the host while avoiding detection by the innate immune system is incompletely understood. C. trachomatis accomplishes this in part through the translocation of a unique set of effectors into the inclusion membrane, the inclusion membrane proteins (Incs). Incs are ideally positioned at the host-pathogen interface to reprogram host signaling by redirecting proteins or organelles to the inclusion. Using a combination of co-affinity purification, immunofluorescence confocal imaging, and proteomics, we characterize the interaction between an early-expressed Inc of unknown function, Tri1, and tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 7 (TRAF7). TRAF7 is a multi-domain protein with a RING finger ubiquitin ligase domain and a C-terminal WD40 domain. TRAF7 regulates several innate immune signaling pathways associated with C. trachomatis infection and is mutated in a subset of tumors. We demonstrate that Tri1 and TRAF7 specifically interact during infection and that TRAF7 is recruited to the inclusion. We further show that the predicted coiled-coil domain of Tri1 is necessary to interact with the TRAF7 WD40 domain. Finally, we demonstrate that Tri1 displaces the native TRAF7 binding partners, mitogen activated protein kinase kinase kinase 2 (MEKK2) and MEKK3. Together, our results suggest that by displacing TRAF7 native binding partners, Tri1 has the capacity to alter TRAF7 signaling during C. trachomatis infection. ImportanceChlamydia trachomatis is the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections in the US and preventable blindness worldwide. Although easily treated with antibiotics, the vast majority of infections are asymptomatic and therefore go untreated, leading to infertility and blindness. This obligate intracellular pathogen evades the immune response, which contributes to these outcomes. Here, we characterize the interaction between a C. trachomatis secreted effector, Tri1, and a host protein involved in innate immune signaling, TRAF7. We identified host proteins that bind to TRAF7 and demonstrate that Tri1 can displace these proteins upon binding to TRAF7. Remarkably, the region of TRAF7 to which these host proteins bind is often mutated in a subset of human tumors. Our work suggests a mechanism by which Tri1 may alter TRAF7 signaling and has implications not only in the pathogenesis of C. trachomatis infections, but also in understanding the role of TRAF7 in cancer.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2020

REAP supplemental fertilizer improves greenhouse crop yield

BackgroundMine tailings contain rare earth elements, including lanthanum and cerium, and plant micronutrients including iron. Previous studies have demonstrated that fertilizers containing rare earth elements and/or micronutrients can influence plant physiology, nutrient uptake and crop yield. However, applying the right dose of these fertilizers is critical since the concentration range associated with benefits is often narrow, and overapplication can lead to crop yield reductions. This study aimed to quantify the effects of a water-soluble fertilizer, REAP, on the yield of greenhouse crops. MethodsIn the first experiment, the effects of three concentrations of REAP (100, 250 or 500 ppm) were compared to a control (0 ppm REAP) on growth of lettuce, tomato and pepper growing in soilless media. In the second experiments, the effects of REAP applied at higher rates (500, 1000 and 2000 ppm) were compared to a control (0 ppm REAP) on the growth of lettuce, peppers, tomato and cantaloupe. ResultsIn the first experiment, there were no significant differences in yield between treatments, REAP appeared to promote root development. In the second experiment, there were significant yield increases for all crops treated with REAP. Gas exchange rates and nutrient concentration of tomato plants receiving REAP were not significantly different from the control. These results demonstrated that nutrient elements in REAP, including lanthanum, cerium, and micronutrients, improved the growth and yield of vegetable crops when applied at rates ranging from 500 to 2000 ppm.

plant biology↗